For Lin Qian, the last thing he lacked was manpower. If he wished, he could summon countless individuals to serve him at any time.
He could even summon the units of the Xuanyuan Star Huaxia Empire to appear within a hundred-mile radius at any given location.
This ability made it easy for Lin Qian to explain the appearance of civil officers and craftsmen emerging from the dense forest to Yue Liqiu, claiming they had descended with him from the surface world. He also told them that due to the current situation, it was impossible to return to the surface since even he did not know where the exit was.
However, what Lin Qian didn't know was that the entrance from the surface world to the underground Ancient Forest World had already collapsed and was completely sealed off.
Once the order to construct the temporary war room was given, the craftsmen and civil officers summoned by Lin Qian quickly began preparations, striving to complete the war room in the shortest time possible.
Next, Zhuge Ming continued to report to Lin Qian about the situation with the Blackhorn Clan: "Your Majesty, regarding the madness affecting the Blackhorn Clan, we've made some progress."
"Based on interrogations, it appears that this madness has a long history among the Blackhorns. It begins with extreme frenzy, making the afflicted unable to recognize even their closest friends. However, after an hour, this state gradually subsides, leaving them with a more violent and irritable temperament."
"After gathering information from various sources, I've discovered that all Blackhorns who experience this transformation have one thing in common: they've all participated in large-scale battles."
Zhuge Ming's report prompted Lin Qian to ponder for a moment before he spoke. "So, only after participating in battles of a certain scale do some Blackhorns go mad, and after recovering, their temperament changes, and their soul energy becomes tainted with blood aura, correct?"
"Precisely."
"Have we identified the cause? What exactly is triggering these changes in the Blackhorns after they've been through war?" Lin Qian asked, his brow furrowed.
"Not yet," Zhuge Ming replied, his tone tinged with regret. "But Your Majesty, I assure you that we will have an answer soon."
Lin Qian nodded thoughtfully and urged Zhuge Ming to expedite the investigation. Then, he made his way to where Yue Liqiu was stationed.
Along the way, Lin Qian saw many people from the five different races. When they looked at him, their expressions were still tinged with fear and uncertainty, particularly the Blackhorns, who were unsure of what fate awaited them.
Suddenly, Lin Qian stopped in his tracks as a group of elderly humans appeared before him. These white-haired, frail elders, with visible injuries, trembled as they blocked Lin Qian's path and knelt before him.
"Elders, what are you doing?" Lin Qian exclaimed, shocked by the sight. He quickly stepped forward, using his control over his icy soul energy to harmlessly lift the old men from the ground.
"Young lord, we beg you to spare these innocent Blackhorns," one of the elderly humans pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "Not all Blackhorns are evil."
"I'm aware of that," Lin Qian responded with a gentle smile as he helped the elderly man stand. "Even among humans, there are both good and bad individuals. We cannot generalize."
"Besides, if you think about it, have I carried out any massacres since entering the city?"
"But, I heard that you have killed many prisoners..." the old man hesitated.
"They went mad," Lin Qian explained in just five words, which made the elderly humans suddenly realize the situation.
The old man shook his head sadly. "It's tragic. The Blackhorns weren't always like this, especially the younger ones. But after joining the Blackhorn Army, some of them would go mad after returning from battle. When they recovered, they were like different people—more violent, more cruel."
"These Blackhorns who changed would often resort to violence, even against their own kind, sometimes beating other Blackhorns to death."
The elder's words piqued Lin Qian's curiosity. He stepped closer and asked, "Elder, do you know if there was anything special about the Blackhorns who joined the army?"
"Something special?" The elderly human furrowed his brow in thought before shaking his head. "We, who were enslaved, had no way of knowing what went on in the Blackhorn Army."
Just then, a Blackhorn nearby spoke up nervously, "I only know that every new recruit in the Blackhorn Army had to drink something called 'Military Initiation Brew.' There was no such rule a thousand years ago."
"Oh?" Lin Qian's eyes lit up as he turned to the Blackhorn who had spoken, smiling approvingly. "That's very useful information."
Looking around at the various races watching him, Lin Qian addressed them, "Rest assured, I am not a tyrant. As long as you live your lives properly, you have nothing to fear."
"But let me warn you: do not entertain any treacherous thoughts. I will not be merciful."
After delivering his message, Lin Qian walked away. His words brought a sense of relief to the people. They understood his message clearly: as long as they did not cause trouble, they would not face death.
Lin Qian then proceeded to the area where Wang Qiongxing was overseeing the captured Blackhorn soldiers. He entered a large stone hall.
The spacious hall was divided into sections, each with bedding where the surrendered Blackhorn soldiers were housed. Bloodwar soldiers guarded the entrances to the hall.
Lin Qian's arrival caused a stir within the hall. The Blackhorns looked at him with anxious expressions, their eyes filled with worry.
They knew all too well that their lives were in the hands of this young human. A single word from him could mean their end.
Many Blackhorns gazed at Lin Qian with regret, wishing they had never joined the Blackhorn Army. Once enlisted, they were forced to commit heinous acts, torturing the enslaved four clans and even harming their own people. Defying orders meant death.
In fact, Lin Qian's conquest of the mountain fortress was a relief for many of them. At least now, they wouldn't have to continue the violent acts they despised.
"Who among you holds the highest rank in the Blackhorn Army?" Lin Qian's voice, imbued with soul energy, echoed through the stone hall.
His question made the Blackhorn soldiers tense with fear, unsure of what he intended.
"I do, six-crystal general of the Blackhorn Army!" After a brief silence, a Blackhorn soldier stood up, bracing himself for what was to come.